Thank you for giving this story a shot! I appreciate your support so very much.
Big thanks to Fran for beta'ing, and to Mr G and Me and Monica03 for pre-reading. Thank you so much!
Any mistakes you see are my own.
SM owns everything Twilight.
My night is restless, filled with a dizzying swirl of orange, gold, and a red so deep in color I'd know it anywhere.
Blood.
It pours in from every angle, spilling out of nowhere and washing over me like a tidal wave. I don't suffocate though. Instead, I'm submerged and floating weightlessly, forcing to hear the tortured cries and begging of faceless people all around me, pleading for something I don't know how to give. Underneath their cries is another voice with a deeper tenor that screams out with pain and regret lacing his apologetic words.
When the blood fades, transitioning into a bright gold—bright as the sun—the tortured faces fade into ones of happiness. However, instead of feeling happy or relieved, all I can feel is the heavy feeling of loneliness.
When I wake, my pillow is wet from tears, and my eyes are swollen, no doubt red from my crying.
The sight of my wet pillowcase invokes a feeling of rage, and I throw the item across the room, where it hits the wall with a muted thump before falling to the floor.
Why had I cried because of that stupid, nonsense dream? That hasn't happened in years; ten years, to be exact. So why now? Why because of that particular dream? I've had weird dreams before, but I've never felt so lost, trapped and sad because of them.
Mom's light and breezy voice carries up the stairs as she sings, probably twirling around in her own orchestra of colors. They're most likely happier than mine.
Her voice gets closer, disappearing and becoming muffled as she enters the bedroom she shares with my father. I hear him grumble, but there's no annoyance behind it; I think he likes it, even though he's not a morning person. He's happy because she is.
Downstairs, I hear Rose's voice as well, chastising Jasper for not setting his alarm so he could help her with breakfast. Knowing my room is the next stop, I quickly work through my morning routine of washing my face, brushing my teeth, and combing my hair. I hurriedly put on eyeliner and lipstick, staining my lips a deep grape color. After changing into my black jeans and black T with lace trim—thanks to Rose—I meet Mom just as she leaves her room.
"It's such a glorious day!" she says brightly, a radiant smile on her face as she comes twirling into the hallway, her hands outstretched above her head, her golden brown, highlighted hair hanging in waves down her back. Her normally pale skin is glowing with the new bronzer she bought last week and couldn't wait to try. Her outfit today consists of a green gypsy skirt and white tank, complete with an array of necklaces and bangle bracelets.
I grunt in acknowledgment, giving her a barely-there smile. With my weird night of dreams and the first dose of rage I felt this morning, I'm not doing so well, and school isn't going to change that. Now, all I want is to have a little bit of peace and quiet, relax, and try to shake off the residual effects of my dream. However, before I can take two steps, she grabs my hands and dances while I stand motionless, fighting off a yawn and the sassy retort on the end of my tongue. I don't want to take away her happiness; it's not her fault I'm such a crab this morning.
She pauses, smiling fondly, moving some hair behind my ears.
"Come on! It's a new day! Have some enthusiasm."
"Eh."
"Sometimes, you are your father's child," she muses, cradling my face between her hands. "He's not a morning person either. Do you know what I have to do to get him up and moving in the morning?"
"No!" I shout, taking a step back. "I will cut off my ears and pour bleach in afterward, I swear."
It's bad enough I sometimes hear them. I don't need a play-by-play from my mother.
Since my mother took it upon herself to give us girls the dreaded sex talk a couple of years ago, I've learned things about my parents' personal lives that no child should know. Things that require brain bleach and awkward looks during meals. I don't consider myself a prude in the slightest, but I do not want to hear about what my parents do behind closed doors. I don't know why my mother feels the need to share these details with me, but I hope she stops.
Soon.
She clicks her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "You silly girl. How do you think you got here?"
"I know how I got here. I just don't want to think about it."
Mom sighs in exasperation. "Don't be such a child, Bella. Sex is a very natural and wonderful experience."
"Think about everything you and Dad do," I say with a shudder, "then think about Grandmother and Grandpa doing … that."
Mom shakes her head, wrinkling her nose, and shuddering herself.
"Yeah, you see my point?"
"Fine, fine," she sighs. "Hey, I have a wonderful idea! Let's have a beach day! Doesn't that sound like a good idea?" Her face brightens. "It's going to be cloudy today, sure, but it's going to be a little bit warmer than yesterday. Let's go and play in the waves and let it wash away our worries. One last hurrah before school starts!"
It does sound like a wonderful idea, even though the first day of school is today. I don't think it matters, though. Mainly it's just introductions and what teachers expect. The real 'learning' won't start until next week, so I don't see why I can't take one more day.
"Oka—"
Dad comes out of their room while Rose comes up the steps, both with matching looks of disapproval, though Dad's holds more fondness than anything.
"Aunt Renee, it's the first day of school. We can't go to the beach."
"Is it?" Her face contorts into one of confusion. "Isn't today Sunday?"
Rose shakes her head, the loose curls framing her face swaying gently against her cheeks. "Today is Monday."
"I thought yesterday was Saturday. I could have sworn … you know, since my pottery class was canceled, I've lost track of the days."
Dad wraps an arm around her shoulders. "I know. Maybe you can teach something else?"
"Maybe. Oh! I can start an exercise class. I think that could benefit a lot of people."
Rose snorts, as do I. We both know if Mom opens an exercise class, there might be a little exercising going on, but mostly, it would be a bunch of women gossiping in a new location.
"That's a wonderful idea, honey," he says.
"Thank you! Now, I don't see why we can't go to the beach and enjoy the day. It's only the first day; there won't be any learning going on anyway."
I nod and murmur my agreement, crossing my fingers behind my back in hopes Mom will win this argument.
"Renee, I'm the police chief. I can't have the kids skipping the first day of school to go play at the beach."
While they argue about the harm of missing school today, Rose gently touches my shoulder, her eyes locked on my face.
"You okay?"
"Rough night."
She nods. "I heard you. I tried to wake you, but—" she trails off with a shrug, telling me her attempts were unsuccessful.
"It's fine. Thanks, though."
"Wanna talk about it?"
I consider the offer for a moment. Rose is smart; she wouldn't be graduating early this year if she wasn't. However, I don't know what any of it means, but I know it means something. It was too intense to be an ordinary weird dream, and until I know for sure, I don't want to mention it.
"Not right now."
A knowing and understanding look crosses her features just as Mom and Dad finish their discussion.
From the way Mom's shoulders droop, and her eyes drop to the ground, my hopes for getting another day of summer goes down too.
"Oh fine," she says, despondent. A second later, her face brightens, as does her tone. "I know! We can go to the beach this weekend! It'll be perfect!"
Rose smiles. "I think that sounds good," she tells her, wrapping her arm around Mom and leading her down the stairs. "Let's have breakfast outside too. It's such a nice morning."
Mom excitedly agrees and starts rambling about our breakfast picnic.
Dad and I both groan before dragging ourselves to join them.
Jasper stands in the doorway of his room, tilting his head to the left as he watches Rose and Mom carry dishes and food outside.
"Uh, what's going on?"
"We're having breakfast outside. Come help. You know, since you didn't help with making it like you promised me," Rose replies, breezing past him into the kitchen.
Jasper's mouth falls open as he balks at his sister. "It's too cool out...and wet! We live in Forks, remember?"
Rose rolls her eyes as she carries a bundle of plates, glasses, and napkins out into the backyard.
"It's still summer, Jasper, so it's not that cool, and we're not sitting on the ground. We have a picnic table." She responds as she carries the freshly cooked scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and toast outside. "Don't be such a spoil-sport. Come on, sleepyhead."
"The table is wet from the rain!"
"Which is why we have towels," Mom counters in a sing-song reply.
He starts to argue once more, but Dad places a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head with a deep sigh. "No use, son, there's no point in arguing. Trust me. Now, let's get this over with."
The three of us groan in unison as we step out into the yard, where Mom is singing very loudly and off-key while Rose sips her orange juice with a fond smile.
"Come on, guys," Rose calls when she sees us standing on the porch, and begins dishing out the food. "It's going to get cold."
After breakfast, the parents see us out, wishing us a good day and to be careful. We nod, remembering his warning clearly. It's been the same since Lauren and Royce started causing trouble three years ago.
Call him if Lauren or Royce—if he's there—start something. For the longest time, he's been itching to teach them a lesson but has never gotten the chance. There's never enough proof to have them arrested, no matter what we do to ensure they're caught. Somehow, they always make sure there are no witnesses to their deeds.
The three of us pile into Rose's car, and in under five minutes, we're pulling into the parking lot of Forks High. Students are standing around the parking lot, looking way too excited for the first day of school. My eyes scan the area, and I notice a group of students crowded around a new silver Charger.
Did a teacher get a raise or something?
"You'd think they've never seen a car before," Rose says, rolling her eyes.
I notice, however, that there's an admiring twinkle in her eye as we pass it.
Once inside, there's a low steady buzz of whispers from those loitering in the halls. Most of them look excited, their faces lit up like kids on Christmas. The remaining ones have their lips pulled down in an envious frown, barely refraining from rolling their eyes as their friends talk.
Only a handful look impartial and bored; whatever is going on that has everyone buzzing, I'm going to join the impartial crowd.
The door to the main office swings open and the space goes dead quiet.
Alice Cullen and the burly guy from yesterday—Emmett, I think is the name Rose spit out—step out into the hall, looking unaffected by the silence lingering in the air.
"Hey, everyone!" Emmett calls out, giving a cheeky smile that showcases the dimples in his cheeks. "What's shakin'?"
Everyone's eyes widen, and a few of their faces redden with embarrassment. A handful of students run down the hall, while the others laugh nervously and wave before scurrying off.
Alice elbows Emmett in the side of the stomach, causing him to wince and laugh boisterously. She hisses something to him, and he playfully rolls his eyes, his gaze landing on us—or more importantly, on Rose.
His eyes widen with glee, and his lips stretch into a broad grin. He swaggers over, his steps slow but confident.
"Well, hello. How are you this lovely day?"
Rose's eyes narrow and her upper lips curls up into a sneer. "What do you want?"
"I already have what I want."
Rose's face reddens, her jaw taunt and her nostrils flaring like she's going to breathe fire at any moment. Jasper and I take simultaneous steps backward but keep our gazes forward, ready to jump in if we're needed.
"I'm talking to you. That's all I'll ever need," Emmett continues, his smile still in place. "You're lovely."
Rose scoffs and rolls her eyes, turning her body, so she's slightly facing away from him.
Emmett, unperturbed by her rejection, looks up and notices his audience of two. He smiles, nodding his head toward us.
"I'm Emmett. This is Alice, my sister," he introduces, waving a hand toward her.
At the mention of her name, Rose tenses and relaxes, her face filled with confusion as she stares at the pair. A look of comprehension comes across her features before she schools her expression into a blank mask.
"Uh," Jasper starts his eyes darting between Rose and Emmett. "I'm Jasper. This is Bella and—"
Rose clears her throat, giving her brother a warning look and a slight shake of her head. He gets the message and smiles awkwardly, rocking on the heels of his sneakers.
Alice beams, waving with too much enthusiasm for a Monday morning, on the first day of school no less. Jasper clears his throat, giving a strained smile and a wave as he stares at her, his eyes slightly narrowed. I pinch the skin behind his upper arm and hopefully, give a friendlier wave to her.
Rose steps forward, studiously ignoring Emmett's gaze as she backs away. "I'll see you two later."
Jasper and I murmur our goodbye. My eyes narrow on the handful of people—Lauren's friends, or wannabe friends—laughing and snickering as Rose passes them.
To her credit, she doesn't acknowledge them. She keeps her head held high and her shoulders straight. I'm sure if I were to look at her face, she'd look fierce.
Too bad I'm not as strong as she is.
One step forward is all I take before Jasper places a firm hand on my arm. Without a word, he shakes his head and looks pointedly ahead.
Emmett follows after Rose, his head turning toward the gossiping loiterers. Their faces pale, and they avert their eyes, shifting from side to side until he passes. Once he's out of sight, they rush away, and I have to bite the inside of my lip to keep myself from laughing.
Jasper's lips quirk with amusement, and he looks somewhat impressed with Emmett's silent defense of Rose. The look fades into his previous one of confusion and mistrust once he looks back at Alice.
Subtly, I nudge his side, raising an eyebrow. He shakes his head once before murmuring a goodbye, disappearing into the crowd of students.
Alice frowns at his back, but the look fades as she steps closer to me. Her left hand grasps the leather strap of her book bag hanging against her hip, her fingernails scraping against the material.
"Do you think you can show me around? The map they gave me isn't very helpful."
I'm not surprised. That map has probably been around since my parents went to school here, and if the layout was the same, it would be beneficial. However, due to renovations from a fire a few years back, part of the school has been remodeled, leaving the map kind of useless.
Why they haven't updated it, I don't know. I guess they don't expect many new kids that don't know their way around the school already; even if you're not attending Forks High, you know where everything is, thanks to the building housing many town functions throughout the year.
More students filter in as the first bell of the day chimes overhead, all of them looking between Alice and me with questioning glances, whispering behind their hands, pointing and shaking their heads.
I don't need super hearing to know what they're saying.
Poor new girl. She's going to ruin her reputation before it even begins.
Idly, I wonder if she's the type to allow others to pressure her into things. I shrug it off; it's not any of my business, and besides, I'll know by the end of the day. I'm sure Alice will get more than enough helpful tips to surviving Forks High.
Taking a quick peek at the paper in my hands, I notice we don't share any classes. Alice, it appears, is one grade below me, as a junior, which surprises me greatly. At first glance, she looks to be about my age, maybe older by a year or so.
Strange. Maybe she was held back or something.
"We don't share any classes," I murmur. "You're a junior?" She nods, perplexed at my question. "I'm a senior, but I can show you where your first-period is. It's easy to find."
Alice's eyebrows furrow together, and her lips pull down in a frown. "Really? A senior? You're a senior?"
I nod slowly. "Yeah."
Her lips twist to the side, and she closes her eyes for a moment before looking at me in bewilderment. I clear my throat and shift my weight onto my left foot, putting a little more space between us as she continues to stare.
"Huh," she finally says, her voice no louder than a murmur and her words filled with confusion. "That's really weird."
Something is telling me she's speaking about something else entirely, but I can't be sure.
"I didn't think you were that old."
A bark of surprised laughter leaves me. It's the first time I've been referred to as old. It makes me extremely curious if I can get away with grabbing a drink in Port Angeles.
Probably not.
"I'm not that old. I'm seventeen; perfectly old enough to be a senior."
She nods and smiles, but I can still a hint of bewilderment in her eyes. Instead of asking why she seems so confused, I motion forward.
"Do you need to stop by your locker?"
Alice's nose wrinkles momentarily before she shakes her head, her short black hair bouncing lightly. "I have everything I need here."
I nod. I didn't figure she would need to stop, since it's the first day and all, but I thought I'd be polite and ask.
"I, uh … I love your hair!" Alice exclaims, smiling sheepishly at her loud tone as people passing by give her strange looks. "The colors really compliment the dark brown."
"Thanks."
"Were you scared?"
My gut instinct is to say no, but I'd be lying. I was pretty terrified to do something so drastic to my hair. I was so scared I was going to mess it up and almost didn't go through with the whole process. I remember feeling really down about the thought of not being different, and after a pep talk with Mom, I jumped in and did it.
Of course, the first dye job was messy, and the results weren't that good, but I didn't care. Much. With time, I improved and eventually got it the way I wanted it to look.
"Completely."
Alice laughs. "Yeah, me too. I've wanted to dye mine, but I'm not sure how it will turn out. The box is still sitting under my sink."
"Understandable," I reply, stopping abruptly as I'm nearly plowed into by a girl not paying attention.
She rushes out an apology before the words die off. She swallows audibly with a gasp. Her eyes widen, and she backs away slowly, raising her hands.
"Sor-sorry."
"No big deal," I tell her, smiling.
She chuckles nervously, her eyes darting around, looking for an escape. To help her out, I stand aside, pressing my back against the lockers. She takes the opportunity to race away, tearing down the hallway like she's on fire.
Alice turns to me, her head tilted to where our visitor had run off and an eyebrow raised in question. I shrug, plastering an innocent look on my face.
"Ready?"
Slowly, she nods, watching me intently, like I'm something to be studied. I'm sure, somewhere, doctors would agree with her.
I keep my eyes forward, intending to ignore her staring, but I can still feel her gaze and see her from the corner of my eye. The heat of irritation slivers its way through my body, engulfing me in flames from head to toe. I know people stare, especially at me.
In this school—and possibly the town—I'm somewhat of an anomaly with occasional anger issues. Still, most people look away after a certain amount of time. It's just the polite thing to do. In my opinion, you can stare, but once it goes past the minute mark, you'd be better off taking a picture.
Unable to take it anymore, I give her a pointed look. For a moment, she looks startled but sheepishly smiles.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to stare. I've never met anyone like you before."
There's something in her tone that tells me she doesn't just mean my multi-colored hair and vibrant personality, but maybe I'm reading too much into it.
I nod anyway. "I'm used to it."
Subtly, I motion toward the groups of people loitering around in the hallway, their heads bowed but their eyes peering through their lashes to stare.
"I've noticed," she murmurs. "Why is that?"
Reaching out, I pat her shoulder, frowning slightly at the cold temperature seeping through her light tan shirt. She seems really cold but doesn't look like she's freezing.
Brushing it off, I laugh. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll hear all about it from your classmates and how you should stay away from me."
Alice stops, her face serious. "I don't listen to rumors or silly stories about people. I make up my own mind."
I have to say I'm impressed. Normally, people in high school believe whatever the latest rumor is, truth or not. To have your own mind is somewhat unheard of during this stage in our lives.
Then again, saying things and doing them are two different things.
"What about teachers?" I ask, wanting to change the subject.
Alice giggles, covering her mouth with her hand, her eyes twinkling. "Oh man, that is something I listen to religiously. Did you have any of these teachers last year?"
"A couple. Most of them are pretty nice as long as you do the work. Mr. Perkins is another story altogether."
"Will you tell me about him?" She asks, her tone slightly hesitant.
I start to give her the warnings she needs, but a commotion up ahead distracts me. I watch as one of Lauren's 'friends' sticks out her foot and trips Jessica Stanley, an extremely shy girl who's always picked on because she has a stutter she can't control. To add to that, she was held back a few years ago because she had skipped so much school to escape being tormented by bullies.
I wish we had more classes together back in middle school, and I wish she had confided in me. I would have made sure no one messed with her.
Jessica lands on the floor with a loud thud, all of her books and materials spilling out. No one around her helps; they just stand back and watch or laugh.
Alice and I both surge forward, with Alice bending down and helping a teary-eyed Jessica collect her things. I level everyone around with a hard glare before landing on the girl who tripped Jessica. She swallows thickly and hastily turns the other way, running as I take a step toward her.
When the small crowd that had gathered disperses, I bend down as well, stacking Jessica's remaining books and kneeling beside her as Alice gently speaks to her.
"I'm Alice."
Jessica looks up with wide eyes, looking from Alice's face to her hand, which is outstretched in greeting. Sensing she's uncomfortable, Alice simply smiles and hands Jessica her things as I help her stand while silently asking her if she's okay. She gives one jerky nod and looks questioningly at the girl in front of us.
"Jess, this is Alice; she's new to Forks."
Alice takes this as her cue and steps forward. "Hi! Are you okay?"
"H-h-h-i," she stutters, looking down at the floor as she comes to stand behind me. She balls her free hand into a fist and squeezes it over and over, her face pinching up as she most likely, reprimands herself. In junior high, she would mutter insults at herself until I told her she was so better than she thought she was. She didn't believe me, of course, and still berated herself until I told her that if she was going to continue to talk badly about herself, then every time I would catch her doing it, I would counteract with a compliment. Now, I don't hear her talk bad about herself, but I know she still does it.
With a pointed look and a little nudge and smile, I count to ten in my head, giving her time to stop insulting herself. When I reach nine, her pinched face and clenched hands relax, though she still hunches her shoulders forward and glues her eyes to the floor.
"It's nice to meet you," Alice says genuinely. She looks somewhat surprised and awed by the interaction, but doesn't say anything.
It makes me wonder what she's thinking, though I have a pretty good guess. I may be a bitch when the time calls for it, but I can be nice ... sometimes.
The warning bell rings, shrill and almost deafening. Jessica runs off into a classroom, the same one Alice will be going into as well. I'm glad they'll share a class together; Alice seems like a nice girl, so hopefully, she'll help Jess when needed. If not, then Alice will have me to answer to.
"She's very shy. I don't think she'll say much more to you than that," I say to Alice.
"It's okay. I don't want to make her uncomfortable."
"As long as you don't pressure her, you'll be fine."
Alice nods, a serious expression on her face. Seeing how intently she's staring at me, I have a good feeling she's not like the other vapid girls at this school. I can't tell what makes me feel this way, but it's there.
"I have to get going," I say, knowing my time to get to class is short.
"Okay," she replies, smiling with a wave. "See you later!"
I murmur a goodbye and rush down the hall to my first-period class, skidding to a stop when I see the tall and familiar figure brooding near the door. The right side of his body leans against the wall, his head tilted. His eyes, still the same weird, orange-brownish color are fixed on me and looking closer, I see they look a little more brown than orange.
Weird.
"What are you doing here?" I blurt out.
"I'm here for school," he replies, his tone clearly stating "duh, why else would I be here?"
I groan slightly and drop my head back a little.
Really? In this school?
His eyebrows pull together so closely they're practically touching as he stares, looking puzzled.
Around us other students rush into the class, generating a breeze that sends a few strands of my hair into my face. I don't make a move to remove them, though. If I'm going to make any move, it'll be to flip off douche boy.
"You have this class?"
He nods once, his confused expression slipping into a blank mask.
Wonderful.
"Well, are you going to go in?" I ask, trying to sound pleasant, but I'm not sure it works. Mr. Wonderful frowns, looking extremely displeased.
"Are you? Or is this class too advanced for you?"
I narrow my eyes. "My IQ is higher than yours, I'm sure, and I know it's higher than the level of your social skills."
He chuckles once, the sound low and gritty. "We'll see, then. Why don't you go in first? Do you not trust me?"
"After the other day? Not really. You might stab me or something."
He shakes his head and smirks. "You don't have to worry about that from me."
This time, it's me who cocks my head. What does that mean? He's going to find another way to kill me? Well, if that's the case then I'm not going down without a fight, and should I lose, I'll have the ultimate revenge. I will haunt his ass every day, and he'll never know peace.
"I'm sure," I murmur before sighing harshly, waving my hand toward the door. "Will you just go in, already? I'm tired of looking at you."
He laughs, though it's not with humor. The look in his eyes is cold and almost predatory, sending a shiver up my spine. Not even Rose's glare can frighten me this much, and she can be really scary when she wants to be.
I straighten my shoulders in an effort to show him I'm not afraid of him because I won't let him have that power over me.
"It's funny. You think you're so tough," he says, a note of condescension in his words.
I match his humorless laugh with one of my own, finally giving in to my urge and raising my middle finger.
His eyes narrow slightly, and he shoves one of his hands in his pocket, the other squeezing a dark brown leather journal, wrapped delicately with a thin black cord. Without another word or glance, he stalks into the classroom.
For a moment, I close my eyes and shake my head, cursing my luck.
How on earth had he ended up in this town, in this school?
Whatever reason, there's nothing I can do about it. I don't think. Maybe I should stop by the office and talk to the school's secretary, Mrs. Cope. If anyone can change my schedule, it's her. Until then, I had better get into the classroom.
My foot crosses the threshold just as the last bell shrills through the intercom system. The teacher frowns heavily, the action causing the lines around his mouth to deepen. His eyes narrow, his bushy eyebrows nearly concealing his eyes.
I wasn't even late. Geez, I can see this teacher is going to be a peach.
Plastering on a sardonic smile, I grab the only available seat left in the room, right in the front. Normally, it wouldn't be a big deal, but my desk mate is none other than the most pleasant person on earth. Slamming my binder on the desk, I collapse into the uncomfortable plastic torture device that passes for a chair, scooting it as far away from him as I can, and still be able to use the desk.
Only an hour left. Time can't pass quickly enough.
8*8*8*8*8
Thankfully, the rest of the morning goes quickly and peacefully. Aside from my first-period teacher who introduced himself as Mr. Reynolds—obviously not the good Mr. Reynolds—the teachers were pretty cool. Ms. Adams, my third-period teacher, is a little iffy, to be honest.
The entire time she lectured us on what to expect from her during the year, her face remained frozen in a stoic glare. I'm not sure if that's how she looks or whether she hates us all.
Time will tell, I suppose.
Unfortunately, Mrs. Cope couldn't switch my first-period class.
Fortunately, I don't share any other morning classes with Mr. Sparkling Personality, so that's a plus. I just have to hope I don't share any afternoon classes with him either.
In the lunchroom, I take the table that's been mine for the past three years, the detention table, and pick apart the muffin I swiped from the lunch line before it was bombarded with students. I left my novel at home, so I imagine this lunch period will be boring as hell.
Feeling eyes on me, I look up, seeing Alice grinning at me from the entrance. She comes up to the table, smiling and looking genuinely pleased for some reason.
"Hi, Bella! Wow, an empty table. How'd you manage that?"
"It was the detention table a while ago. I commandeered it."
Her face is blank for a moment, but then a second later, she bursts out in laughter. "Awesome!"
"Yep."
"May I sit here?"
I hesitate, feeling uneasy for some reason. I haven't sat with anyone at lunch since middle school, so it's definitely a change. Alice takes my silence for a refusal, laughing nervously before clearing her throat and brushing a short strand of hair behind her ear. It pops right back out, framing her petite face.
"Sorry. I'll leave you alone."
A pang of guilt hits me at her dejected tone. I've been sort of rude to her, and she hasn't done anything to me. I suppose I can't speak of other people's social skills when I need to work on my own.
"You can sit here," I call out, waving to the empty chair beside me. "If you want."
She turns around and smiles brightly, sitting in the seat with more grace than I've ever seen anyone do.
"So, how do you like your classes?"
"They're okay. I've learned it all before at my other school, though. I wonder if I can take more advanced classes or something." She pauses for a moment, her focus becoming distant before she sighs lightly. "If not, it'll be a breeze at least."
"Probably. Even if you've been here your entire life, things are a breeze. Well, for some," I amend, thinking of the few students that are dumber than paste. Lauren, for example.
Wanting to change the course of my thoughts, I think of a question, and it's a good one for getting to know someone, but before I can ask anything, she jumps up, startling me.
I look at her with wide eyes, wondering if she's had too much sugar or if there's another reason for her jerky movements.
"You okay?"
She nods, her attention focused on something or someone across the room. Following her gaze, I see him, actually looking pleasant and friendly standing with Emmett and Jasper.
I can't help but wonder why Jasper is with him and also looks somewhat happy to be there. Did he hit his head? Has he been hypnotized or drugged? I wouldn't put anything past anyone these days.
"Um, I'll be right back, okay? I need to go see my brothers."
Nodding, I watch as she glides across the cafeteria, rushing toward the jerk. To my surprise, she latches onto his arm, beaming up at him.
Is he her brother? Did she say, brother or brothers?
Looking down at her, he gives a small smile and squeezes her to his side. She hugs him back fiercely before pulling back and punching his shoulder.
Jasper steps back, saying something before looking over the cafeteria, smirking when he sees where I am. Seconds later, he joins me, claiming Alice's seat.
"Why am I not surprised to see you here?"
"Because you're simple."
"Har har," he says, his tone droll. "How's school?"
"Same as last year. Boring."
He nods, his blond hair flopping in front of his face. "Yeah, tell me about it."
"I see you have new friends," I say, nodding toward the trio still by the entrance of the cafeteria, standing in a loose circle.
Multiple students are staring and pointing, no doubt rehashing the gossip they heard about the family over the summer and talking about how good looking they all are; something I've heard in all of my classes.
"Yeah. They're pretty cool. I share a class with Edward, but none with Emmett. He's a junior; can you believe it?" He seems astonished and perplexed, though I have to admit I am too. Emmett, like Alice, looks too old to be a junior.
"Maybe he was held back."
Jasper hums. "Maybe."
"What was the other one's name again?"
"Edward."
I nod, finally putting a name to the face. Although, I kind of like the names I've given him so far. They certainly fit his personality better. Edward sounds regal and formal … and someone with manners. Something he doesn't have. At least not with me.
"He's your friend, then?"
Jasper shrugs, his lips pulled down slightly. "I don't know. He's cool, though. Why?"
I scoff, shaking my head as I glance back over at the person in question. So is he pleasant with people other than me?
Should I be flattered or insulted?
I think I'll go with flattered. One thing I've learned is it takes a special kind of person to piss someone off, and I'd like to think I'm that person.
"That's good, I guess."
"Why do you say that?"
"Do you think they're all related?" I ask, nodding toward the trio.
"Uh, yeah." He shifts in the chair, his eyes darting between the table and the group. "Alice is their little sister. Why?"
I start to answer but stop as Alice comes up, her eyes darting between Jasper and me, chewing the inside of her lip.
"Hi," she greets, smiling at Jasper.
He swallows audibly, running his hands over his thighs before standing. "Hey," he replies, looking at her for a moment before looking at me. "I better get some lunch. See ya later."
Like this morning, Alice frowns at Jasper's back, and I wonder if she's used to guys hanging on her every word. I'm not ashamed to admit that Alice is cute and with the way most guys are talking about her, it's safe to say they share those thoughts.
I just have to wonder if Jasper's lack of attention is getting to her.
"Ignore him," I say. "He's awkward."
Her lips are thin and white, pressed together firmly. She takes the previous seat she had, breathing deeply. "How do you know him?"
"He's my cousin."
She blinks, her eyes wide. "Really? You don't … you look so different."
I laugh. "Yeah, I know. My aunt was adopted by my grandparents."
Alice's mouth forms the shape of an 'O' as she nods. "Gotcha. What's his deal? I mean, why is he awkward? Is he shy? Or is it just me?"
I eye her skeptically. Is that why she's sitting with me? Because she's interested in Jasper? Never mind, I know she's interested in Jasper. She looks at him all starry-eyed as if she's expecting him to ask her out upon first glance.
Does she think being nice and talking to me will get her in with him? If that's the case, then she better look for another route. I won't be used like that, or get in the middle.
"He likes to keep to himself most of the time. He doesn't trust people easily."
"Huh. Tell me about him."
The bell rings signaling the end of lunch. I rise, taking my trash and tossing it into the can near the table.
"Nice seeing you. Bye."
I head toward the entrance, hearing her call out behind me but I don't look back, heading to my next class.
Chemistry.
That should be a fun one. Now, please, for love of Edgar Allen Poe, don't let me share any more classes with Edward. Do you hear me, universe?
8*8*8*8*8*8*8
Luck is not on my side.
I share two more classes with Edward: Chemistry and gym.
Fortunately, I don't have to sit by him in either class. I'm on one side of the room while he's on the other, which makes it a lot easier to ignore his existence. It's not as good as being in different classes, but it's a start.
To make matters even worse for me, two of my classes have hard-ass teachers that already gave us assignments due at the end of the week.
Who in the hell gives out essay assignments on the first day of school?
Assholes, that's who.
I take a deep breath, but it doesn't calm me. I need to relax. Otherwise, I'll have a stroke or something. Sadly, the only things that help me relax are movies, the museum, drawing or music.
Thinking of it, a trip to the museum sounds like a good idea. A couple of hours there and I'll be pleasant.
Almost.
Slamming my locker closed, I head toward the parking but nearly fall on my face as Lauren sticks her foot out with a smirk.
"Whoops. Accident."
"Weren't those the first words you heard when you were born?"
She sneers, her face screwing up unattractively. "Drop dead."
"Nice original insult! I'll be in therapy for years."
Storming past her, my eyes solely focused on the glass doors overlooking the parking lot. Just a few more feet and I'll be home free.
"Let's go, Alice," I hear from my left, the voice tense and angry. "We need to have a family meeting."
Looking over, I see Alice and Edward in an odd standoff.
Edward's jaw is tightened; I'm surprised his teeth haven't cracked under the pressure. His hands are balled into fists at his side, clenching and straightening out every few seconds. His eyes are black and hard, glaring at his sister with extreme anger. I'm a little scared for Alice, but after taking a quick look at her, I see she's not worried, so I suppose I shouldn't be either.
"You know what Mom and Dad are going to say. We might as well skip it."
"Alice," he grinds out through clenched teeth.
"Fine, fine. Let's go."
I rush out the door and toward Rose's car before they spot me, jumping in the backseat. Rose turns, raising an eyebrow.
"What's up with you?"
"Nothing. In a hurry to leave. It's been somewhat of a shitty day."
"You too?" I nod. "What happened?"
"Quite a bit. The icing on the cake? Homework from two teachers," I seethe.
A knowing expression crossed her face. "Mr. Bertie and Mrs. Wells?"
I nod.
"I got them too. Asses," she mutters. "What—?"
Looking out the windshield, I see Jasper talking with Edward and Emmett, looking happy as he talks about something, gesturing wildly.
Alice stands in the background, watching him. When he looks her way, she looks away, stepping aside and walking through the crowd, scanning the parking lot. She frowns and leans against a silver car, glancing over the space again.
Her eyes meet mine, and she waves with a grin. I debate on whether or not I should return the gesture, but do it anyway. No need to be rude until it's warranted.
"Friends?"
"Too soon to tell," I reply.
"Hmm. I surmise Jasper is friends with the Cullen brothers, then?"
"Guess so. When I saw him at lunch, he said they were cool. Speaking of … why did you skip lunch?"
She shrugs, tapping her fingers against the steering wheel. "I didn't feel like going. Emmett was outside four of my classes, telling me his life story. Like I want to know." She scoffs.
That explains how she knows they're brothers.
"Aw, that's cute," I tease. "He wants you to know him."
Again, she scoffs. "Like I want to after what happened? How he spoke to me? Please. I just want to go home."
"Oh, yeah, when we get there, leave the car running. I'm going to PA."
"For what?" she questions, looking at me over her shoulder. "You have homework,"
"It's not due until the end of the week." I shrug. "I want to decompress for a bit."
"Bella, it's a school night."
"It's still early." I point to the clock. "It's only two forty-five. I'll spend an hour or so in PA and come back in time for dinner."
"It's an hour both ways."
"So? It'll be just after six when I come back. Perfectly fine."
She shakes her head once, strands of hair bouncing off her cheeks. "I don't think so."
Sighing heavily, I whip out my phone, sending a text to the parents, asking if me going to PA is okay. I'm honest with them and tell them I have homework, but it's not due until the end of the week.
A minute later, they reply.
Homework? On the first day? That's evil. But yeah, as long as you have it done when it's due, that's fine. Be safe. You know this, but I'll tell you anyway; don't go in alleyways or take shortcuts. Stay on the main road, in plain view. Don't go with people you don't know. If you hear/see anything suspicious, call the police ASAP. Have your phone IN HAND. Have fun and be back in time for dinner. I'm cooking tonight. ~Dad
His response makes me wonder if he knows about the missing people in the city. It certainly sounds like it, but wouldn't he say something if he did know? Is he just being cautious? Either way, I'll be safe. I'm sarcastic, not stupid.
Mom's reply is more straightforward and less wordy.
Have fun, baby! ~Mom
I show Rose my phone. "It's fine with the parental units. I'm going."
"You need to keep up with your schoolwork."
I rub a hand over the top of her head, laughing as she bats my hands away with a scowl. "You forget. I'm not trying to graduate early. I can take the easy street."
"Nevertheless, you should always try your best."
I roll my eyes but say nothing, knowing it won't do any good. She believes in her way, and I believe in mine. Nothing will change her mind.
"Hey," Jasper greets, jumping in the car and waving goodbye to the Cullen boys, which makes Rose huff as she pulls out of the lot, the tires squealing on the pavement. Jasper and I are jolted in the seats; I don't know about him, but I feel like my insides are trying to escape through my back.
"Are we going Back to the Future?"
"What?" she questions, looking at me through the rearview mirror, confused as Jasper guffaws.
"You're taking off at lightning speed. I thought we were in a time machine."
Rose softly curses, easing her foot off the gas pedal. "Sorry. I just want to go home and get this crap-tastic day over with."
"I hear ya."
"So," Jasper drawls. "I take it everyone had a great day? You two wanna talk about it?"
"No," Rose and I both say at the same time. Obviously, neither one of us is having any luck with the Cullen boys, nor do I think it's going to get any better.
8*8*8*8*8*8
In Port Angeles, I stride down the sidewalk, inspired and ready to be home. My fingers twitch at my sides, desperate to feel the smooth wood of the pencil between my fingers.
Being at the museum really gave my muse a much-needed energy drink, and I want to get my ideas all out on paper before they disappear.
Hopefully, the hour between here and home won't banish them.
Just as I pass the entry of an apartment building, I run smack dab into someone. In an effort not to fall, I grab onto the person and shiver as they grasp my hips, pulling me closer to them. A pleasurable chill races through me, jolting my heart into overdrive.
Whoa. That's an intense feeling.
I laugh, an apology slipping from my lips that soon dies as I look at who's holding me. Pushing away, I narrow my eyes.
"You!"
"I see your observation skills haven't improved," Edward snipes. "Can't you watch where you're going?"
My hands clench into fists, and I bite my tongue to keep in all the foul names swimming through my mind.
Why can't I catch a break today?
I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Thanks for reading!